Fully Funded NERC ACCE DTP BIOLOGY project: Predicting the invasion success of microbial symbionts in novel environments

Lead supervisor: Dr J Ferrari (University of York Department of Biology)

Co-supervisors: Dr Sharon Zytynska (University of Liverpool Department of Evolution, Ecology and Behaviour)

The student will be registered with the Department of Biology

The ACCE DTP is committed to recruiting extraordinary future scientists regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, faith or religious belief, pregnancy or maternity, parental or caring responsibilities or career pathway to date. We understand that a student’s potential can be shown in many ways and we strive to recruit students from all backgrounds, and support them on their scientific journey.

We have designed our application systems to identify candidates who are likely to be successful in research regardless of what opportunities may have been available to them prior to their application.

Various support and guidance on applying for an ACCE DTP studentship, including how to apply; what we’re looking for (including our assessment rubric); details of financial support, training, and placement opportunities available; and details of our recruitment process, can be found at accedtp.ac.uk, in the ‘prospective applicants’ tab.

About the Project

Microbial endosymbionts are found in almost all multicellular organisms, from plants to humans. They play major roles in their hosts’ ecology, e.g. by providing nutrition or protecting the host from adverse environmental effects and natural enemies. These microbes thus have the potential to have a dramatic impact on the populations of their hosts and their associated communities. While we now have an excellent understanding of the phenotypic effects of symbionts, we know little about the effects on population and community dynamics. One key question is why we find symbionts where they are and whether we can predict their roles and presence. In this studentship, we will ask what factors influence whether a symbiont establishes in a host and subsequently invades the host population when introduced into a new environment.

We will use a very tractable insect microbiome as a model system for symbiont dynamics: The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, is a well established model system with seven known facultative symbionts. These are usually vertically transmitted from mother to offspring but horizontal transmission also occurs at lower frequencies.

In this studentship, we are asking whether the benefits that a symbiont can predicted its success at establishing in a stressful environment (e.g. if a symbiont protects from heat, will it establish more easily in a hotter environment). We will study this on both an individual and a population level.

Understanding the dynamics of endosymbiotic bacteria is critical at a time of rapidly changing environmental conditions and increasing movement of organisms around the globe. Given the major impacts on species interactions and their hosts’ biology, it is vital that we develop a clear understanding of how and when these symbionts are able to spread into new environments.

Essential and desirable criteria: Essential - - a good understanding of ecological and evolutionary processes and symbiosis, ability to formulate hypotheses and design experiments, ability to perform basic statistical tests. Desirable - experience of working with insects, preferably in laboratory systems, molecular genetic techniques (e.g. DNA extractions, PCR)

How to Apply: Further information to support the development of your application are available here: https://accedtp.ac.uk/phd-opportunities/

All applicants to ACCE must complete the ACCE personal statement proforma. This is instead of a personal/supporting statement or cover letter. The proforma is designed to standardise this part of the application to minimise the difference between those who are given support and those who are not. Candidates should also submit a cv and the contact details of 2 referees. 

Applicants should also complete an EDI form which should be e-mailed to [Email Address Removed].

Informal enquiries may be made to [Email Address Removed] 

Part-Time Study Options: All ACCE PhDs are available as part time or full time, with part time being a minimum of 50% of full time. Please discuss potential part time arrangements with the primary supervisor before applying to the programme.

Project CASE Status: This project is not a CASE project. While individual applicant quality is our overriding criterion for selection, the ACCE DTP has a commitment for 40% of all studentships to be CASE funded - as such, CASE projects may be favoured in shortlisting applicants when candidates are otherwise deemed to be equal or a consensus on student quality cannot be reached. This will only be done as a last resort for separating candidates.

Entry Requirements: Students with, or expecting to gain, at least an upper second class honours degree, or equivalent, are invited to apply. The interdisciplinary nature of this programme means that we welcome applications from students with backgrounds in any biological, chemical, and/or physical science, or students with mathematical backgrounds who are interested in using their skills in addressing biological, ecological or evolutionary questions. 

Programme: PhD in ACCE (4 years full time or 8 years part time)

Start Date: 16th September 2024 (the student will be registered with the Department of Biology)

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed on either Thursday 22 or Friday 23 February 2024